Alleged militia training: Akeredolu’s group reports LP to NSA

RELYING on intelligence reports, the Akeredolu Campaign Organisation (ACO) yesterday claimed it has uncovered a plot by the ruling Labour Party (LP) in Ondo State to attack stalwarts of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in the state using Israeli-trained militia.

The organisation – the political platform of the ACN standard bearer in the governorship election billed for October 20, Olurotimi Aredolu (SAN), accused Governor Olusegun Mimiko of funding the training in Israel.

In a petition to the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the President, Major Sambo Dasuki (rtd), by its Director-General, Chief Tayo Alasoadura, ACO named NIRTA Limited as the security outfit training the militia.

According to the organisation, no fewer than 50 members of the LP had sharpened their skills in the art of weapon handling and bomb making, all which ACO alleged the ruling party plans to use to manipulate the election on Saturday.

It urged the NSA to direct concerned agencies to swing into action to avert lawlessness, saying the ACN members have been at the receiving end of the terror being perpetrated in the Sunshine State.

The petition reads: “There are clear indications that things may get worse in the days ahead. At present, a group of people from Ondo State are undergoing training in a security company in Israel known as NIRTAL Limited.

“They are believed to be sponsored by Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, Ondo State Governor and candidate of the Labour Party in the October 20 governorship election.

“The scope of the training, according to our discovery, includes, offensive, tactical training, shooting AK-47 live ammunitions in a shooting range and in dedicated facility. We are also aware that this special squad has been trained in the act of bomb making.

“According to our findings, about 50 members of the Labour Party have undergone this dastardly training. Many more are said to be there at present.

“The returnees (Israeli-trained militia) are believed to be strategically distributed in different parts of the state ahead of elections. The predictable consequence of this terrorist tutelage is better imagined.”

The ACO traced the ownership of NIRTAL Limited to a highly-experienced Israeli ex-military personnel that specialises in security training.

It said: “We, therefore, appeal to you to direct the appropriate agencies of the state to commence full and fast investigation into this looming threat with a view to averting a major security breach in our state and potentially in the country.”